[Exploration] Anson, George and Richard Walter. A Voyage Around the World, in the Years MDCCXL, I, II, III, IV. By George Anson, Esq; Commander in Chief of a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships, sent upon an Expedition to the South-Seas. Compiled from Papers, and other Materials of the Right Honourable George Lord Anson, and published under his Direction, by Richard Walter, M.A., Chaplain of his Majesty's Ship the Centurion, in that Expedition. J. & P. Knapton, London, 1748. First edition. 4to. [34], 417, [3] pp. 42 copper-engraved maps, charts, views, coastal profiles, etc., most folding. Modern half blue morocco over boards, gilt spine. With the list of subscribers, directions to binder's leaf at end, and p319 mispagination as 219."This compilation has long occupied a distinguished position as a masterpiece of descriptive travel. Anson's voyage appears to have been the most popular book of maritime adventure of the eighteenth century." (Hill). Anson was Commander in Chief of the Squadron sent by His Majesty to explore the south seas. "This famous and unfortunate expedition, consisting at the start of eight ships was sent... at the beginning of the war with Spain... Seven ships were lost... and out of 900 men who left England on board more than 100 perished... Walter's account of the voyage is a model of what such literature should be."-- Cox I:49; Hill 317/8; Sabin 1629; Borba de Moraes, p. 38.Condition: Scattered spotting. Minor offsetting.Provenance: From the Library of the Godfather of Biodiversity, Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy.